The best cosmetic dentists know these 3 things—and so should you.

In your search for a beautiful smile, you’ll likely consider a cosmetic dentist. Aesthetic dentistry is indeed one of the top goals of cosmetic dental treatment, but there’s more to it than that. You need a dentist who takes everything into account and develops a treatment plan that considers your overall oral health. 

A reputable, accredited cosmetic dentist understands the vital principles that go into successful treatment and outstanding results. These reasons highlight why you should choose cosmetic dentistry that extends beyond aesthetics.

1. There’s more to aesthetic dentistry than a picture-perfect smile.

Dentistry is an incredibly complex field, with many individual elements going into any successful treatment plan. As such, you need a dentist who not only knows how to carry out treatment but also keeps your overall health, smile goals, and unique needs in mind.

This distinction makes a world of difference when it comes to planning your treatment. It takes an experienced cosmetic dentist to determine which treatment options are right for your individual situation. You might have an idea of what you’d like in your head that may not necessarily leave you with satisfactory results.

But a dentist with the right knowledge and skills can translate your wishes into a solid treatment plan. They’ll evaluate your case and determine what results are both desirable and attainable.

For example, if you have plans for a major smile makeover, there may be several ways to accomplish your goal. A good cosmetic dentist also knows when to take a more conservative approach. You’d be surprised by the impact that small changes can have, and you need a dentist who can identify those potential changes appropriately.

2. All forms of dental treatment impact your teeth and gums.

Aesthetic dentistry typically refers to treatment geared toward improving the look of your smile rather than restoring damage or preventing disease. However, there’s no such thing as a purely cosmetic dental treatment.

Every treatment option, even a simple one like whitening, has an impact on the appearance and structure of your teeth and gums. Many cosmetic treatments provide additional health benefits, while others could cause negative outcomes in certain situations.

You need a dentist who understands the impact that individual procedures and your overall treatment plan will have on your mouth. They can create a treatment plan that prioritizes both aesthetics and health.

For example, veneers are primarily geared toward aesthetics but can also provide increased protection for cracked or chipped teeth. Invisalign gives you a straighter smile, which improves both looks and long-term oral health.

However, not every treatment is right in every situation. A good cosmetic dentist will tell you when you would benefit more from a more restorative-focused solution. A damaged or decayed tooth, for instance, could require a dental crown instead of a veneer to ensure oral health while also revitalizing your smile.

3. Exceptional dentistry requires a comprehensive approach.

One of the most important things to understand about dentistry is that everything is related. In most cases, visual imperfections in your smile are signs of underlying issues that can lead to other problems as time goes on.

Bruxism (grinding or clenching your teeth during sleep) can be the root cause of chips or cracks. Not only can this frequent stress cause further damage, but it also continuously wears down enamel, leaving you at risk of tooth decay.

Are you experiencing tooth discoloration, bad breath, or gum disease? These are all issues that may be linked to sleep and breathing issues. Mouth breathing and sleep apnea can lead to dry mouth, which allows bacteria to flourish. Left untreated, this increase negatively affects teeth and gums and worsens with time.

Understanding how these factors interact is key to developing the right treatment plan. For instance, veneers can fix the chips in your teeth but won’t treat underlying bruxism. In fact, untreated bruxism can damage your veneers.

Other options have their own considerations that a good cosmetic dentist will consider. Underlying causes, future risks, and the look of your smile all come together when developing your treatment plan.

Make sure you receive the best cosmetic dental treatment in Newport Beach.

For the best in aesthetics and long-term oral health, you need an accredited cosmetic dentist with the right knowledge and exceptional skill. Dr. Desai is the only female doctor in Newport Beach who is accredited by the American Academy of Cosmetic Dentistry. She provides a comprehensive approach to aesthetic dentistry that goes beyond how your smile looks. Book an evaluation at Luminous Smiles online today.